The "Vehicle Data Recorder System" is a product culminating 12 years of R&D. The goal is to provide the first digital state of the art electronically controlled "On-Board" commercial vehicle monitoring and recording device utilizing a multitude of technologies. The system is fully, independent of the vehicles' already existing computer modules and contains its own microprocessors, sensors and memory much like the proven aircraft data recorders, thereby providing data with integrity.

First to be introduced in Europe then the U.S. shortly thereafter, the base commercial truck system will contain Accident Recordation, Commercial Drivers Log, and Anti-Theft technologies. Additional modular and upgradable "plug-in" technologies will include Weigh-in-Motion, Wireless Communications (Cellular & Satellite Voice & Data plus Two Way Mobile Radio), GPS (Global Positioning), Electronic Fee Collection, Voice Recognition, Voice Synthesis and Navigation. Another first will be the offering of a commercial trailer system that will include Accident Recordation, Wireless Communications, and GPS technology in the basic unit. The trailer system can be upgraded to include Weigh-In-Motion that will also double as an Anti-Theft feature. The Wireless Communication features allow data to be electronically downloaded to a fixed or mobile location, thereby providing more efficient enforcement of transport commerce.

DAT, in seeking a joint venture with a satellite communications company, has met with Washington D.C. based Iridium and spoken to Motorola, which owns 18 percent of Iridium. DAT believes Iridium to be the excellent candidate for such a joint venture because of their inherent overlapping satellite coverage capabilities. The number of EU (European Union) commercial vehicle registrations for trucks, trailers and buses has reached the 30 million Mark. The possible inclusion of Iridium's satellite technology into DAT's "Vehicle Data Recorder System" could prove to be enormously beneficial to both companies should a deal be reached. Having access to a marketplace of this magnitude could virtually change the whole "ballgame" for Iridium.

Texaco's QS9000 certification covers its research laboratory in Ghent, Belgium; lubricant blending plant in Valencia, Spain; pan-European purchasing systems; and marketing and distribution activities in the Benelux, France, Germany, Spain and the UK. In addition, Texaco's contract lubricant blending plant in Stoke-on-Trent and in Antwerp achieved QS9000 certification in 1998.

The certification was achieved after a year-long application and auditing process that recognises the company's commitment to customer services through cost reduction achieved by a programme of continuous improvement, use of corrective and preventative action procedures, personnel development through the use of multi-disciplined teams, quality policy and planning, benchmarking and the use of statistical process controls.

The modules, to be used on Class 8 trucks, will be assembled at Dana's Spicer Heavy System Assembly facility in Lugoff, S.C., and delivered just in time, in sequence, to Western Star. Delivery is expected to begin in late 1999, with full production levels estimated at approximately 6,000 units annually. In the spirit of Dana's revolutionary Rolling Chassis(TM) module, this system will include a ladder assembly frame, dressed front and rear axles, suspension, steering gear, electric and pneumatic connection harnesses, and other components.